Jacobs nets first goal of season in loss to St. Pauls

ST. PAULS — An early-season slide continued for the Richmond boys’ soccer team Monday.

Playing without two starters, one on defense and the other in net, the Raiders dropped their fourth straight game on the road at St. Pauls High School.

A more balanced effort by the team than in Saturday’s loss, Richmond’s second-half comeback attempt came up short by a final score of 2-1.

The Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute when Omar Canuto chipped the ball over the defensive line and just beat junior goalkeeper Camden Williams.

St. Pauls (3-1-1) would hold the one-goal advantage through halftime. Early in the second half, Covin Gomez added to the Bulldogs’ lead with the eventual game-winning goal in the 47th minute.

With the clock winding, the Raiders cut their deficit to a goal in the 70th minute.

Senior Noah Gil, who was credited with the assist, was able to gain speed with possession and make a run down the sideline.

Junior Memphis Jacobs, who was making a run to the back post, was able to connect on the cross from Gil for his first tally of the season.

“We played better tonight than we did last week,” head coach Chris Larsen said. “There are still some things we need to clean up. We’re taking too many touches on the ball and not connecting passes on the attacking end.

“I told the guys at halftime we needed to create more chances and I think they did a better job in the second half. In the last 15 to 20 minutes, we created good opportunities and it was good to see Memphis get that first one.

“We need to start picking up wins, but I’m glad the guys responded and our play was better in the second half tonight,” he closed.

The Raiders (1-4) are set to play a non-conference game at home Wednesday. Richmond will face East Mecklenburg High School (2-2) and start at 7 p.m.

JV soccer team wins

Breaking a tie in the second half Monday, the Richmond junior varsity boys’ soccer team got back in the win column.

Knotted 1-1 at the break, the JV Raiders scored two unanswered goals in the final 35 minutes to notch a 3-1 victory.

Scoring in the first half was freshman Allen Franco, who also scored the game-winner in the second half. Fellow freshman Jaevon Littlejohn added the insurance goal.

The JV Raiders (2-2-1) will also host East Mecklenburg Wednesday, beginning at 5:15 p.m.

Sports editor’s note: Chris Larsen, Bennie Howard and Andy Summerlin contributed to this post.